Nitecore HC65 1000lm In-depth review, Pros and Cons

Cree XM-L2 LED

1000 lm output

3000 cd intensity

1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery

The Nitecore HC65 (HC65) released in 2018. It uses Cree XM-L2 LED, SMO reflector and 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The powerful emitter in this headlamp provides up to 1000 lm output, 3000 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 110 m.

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The HC65 headlamp is designed to provide hands-free illumination, allowing the user to have both hands available for other tasks while having a focused light source. This light has 5 modes of lighting. The memory function is a nice feature, the light will remember the last used mode. It has a strobe function, which is one of the most effective self defense tools available. This Nitecore USB rechargeable flashlight comes with versatile charging options.

Nitecore HC65 (HC65) pictures

The specifications below are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Nitecore HC65, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.

Nitecore HC65 (HC65) specifications

Brand	Nitecore
Name	HC65
Type	HC65
Rating	★★★★★ Rated 4/5 based on 1294 user votes.
Launch	2018
Form	headlamp

The HC65 is a comfortable headlamp. Whether you're engaging in outdoor activities like camping, running, or fishing, or working in industries such as construction, mining, or maintenance, headlamps provide efficient and focused illumination.

Body

Weight	62.7 g
Length	82.7 mm
Head diameter	18.3 mm
Material	aluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish
Colors	black

The HC65 is small, compact, and designed for ultra-portability. The length of a flashlight can affect how it feels in your hand and how you can grip and maneuver it. A longer flashlight may provide a more substantial grip, making it easier to hold and control, especially if you have larger hands. The aluminium body of HC65 has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it can effectively dissipate heat generated by the flashlight's components, such as the LED or battery.

The HAIII coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the underlying aluminum from exposure to moisture, humidity, and other corrosive elements. It helps maintain the appearance and functionality of the flashlight, even in harsh environments. The HC65 flashlight is offered in a stylish black color.

System

Emitter	Cree XM-L2 LED
Color temperature	6500 K
Reflector	SMO
Lens	AR coated glass
Switch	electronic side

The emitter of HC65 manufactured by Cree, a US-based LED manufacturing company. Cree is a well-regarded LED manufacturer known for its high-quality products and innovation in the lighting industry. Color temperature is a characteristic of light. It is measured in units called Kelvin (K) and is used to quantify the color appearance of light sources, particularly white light. The HC65 has a smooth reflector. The properly focused smooth reflector gives you a more cohesive hotspot and therefore throws better.

The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. This can increase the overall brightness and efficiency of the HC65 flashlight. The HC65 utilizes electronic switch. Electronic switches on flashlights provide a range of advantages and additional features compared to mechanical switches.

Performance

Flux	1000 lm
Intensity	3000 cd
Throw	110 m
CD/LM factor	3

With 1000 lm, the HC65 flashlight will offer a brighter and more powerful beam of light. This higher output can be advantageous in various situations where you require enhanced visibility or need to illuminate larger areas. With 3000 cd, the HC65 flashlight provides a noticeably brighter and more intense beam of light. It can illuminate objects or areas with greater clarity and visibility, even at longer distances.

The throw is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. Candela per lumen (cd/lm) is a measure of a flashlight's beam intensity relative to its total luminous flux or output. It quantifies the concentration of light emitted by the flashlight in relation to the total amount of light produced.

Software

Modes	5 modes
Mode memory	yes
Ramping mode	no
Strobe	yes
SOS/Beacon	yes

Modes on a flashlight refer to different output settings or levels of brightness that can be selected to suit different needs and preferences. The HC65 has mode memory. Mode memory means that the flashlight will remember the mode you were using when the light was last turned off, and when you turn it on again. The HC65 is tactical strobe ready. The strobe light is disorienting to the person it is aimed at which makes it difficult for them to concentrate. It has the SOS beacon function for an emergency situation. The SOS flashes Morse code so you can signal for help when needed. The SOS signal is recognized as an international distress call and is used to indicate an urgent need for assistance.

Features

Battery	1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery
Battery indicator	yes
Charger port	microUSB
LVP	yes
Thermal regulation	yes
Protection	IPx8
AUX LEDs	yes
Magnetic	no
Specials	high CRI light red light white light

The Nitecore HC65 flashlight is powered by 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The battery indicator lets you know when the battery is low, charging, or fully charged. The USB charger port on a flashlight can be particularly useful in emergency situations where access to power outlets may be limited. This flashlight has a built-in low voltage protection (LVP) to prevent damage to the cell from over-discharge, so protected cells are not necessary.

The built-in thermal control automatically adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating. The "8" in the IPx8 rating indicates the highest level of protection against water ingress. Auxiliary LEDs with different color options or specialized modes can be beneficial for specific tasks.

Accessories

Package contents	18650 battery headband microUSB cable spare o-ring

It comes with a battery. The battery must be fully charged before you first use your HC65. Instead of searching for compatible O-rings or waiting for replacements to arrive, having spare O-rings readily available allows for convenient and immediate repairs or replacements.

The performance of the Nitecore HC65 flashlight is measured according to the ANSI / NEMA FL1 Standard 30 seconds after switching the light on. The ANSI/NEMA FL1 2009 Standard is a set of flashlight performance guidelines.